During this three day, interactive, panel-driven forum, leaders throughout the industry discussed their experiences and insights on how companies can position and lead their firms in the right direction. Panels included industry leaders from Stantec, Alfred Benesch & Company, Arcadis, HDR, AECOM, Interior Architects, Apex Companies, ARRAY Architects, and England Thims & Miller, among others − as well as keynote speakers from TRC Companies, GHD, and NV5, Inc. These panels engaged attendees in interactive discussions revolving around topics such as internal management buyouts, M&A risk management, private equity, M&A cultural alignment and integration, succession planning and deal valuation and financing. These A/E/C leaders were complemented by technical experts from Fox Rothschild, Ames & Gough Insurance, Pilot Hill Advisors, Plante Moran, BMO Harris, Fifth-Third Bank, and S&H Consulting, among others. Austan Goolsbee, former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors (2010-2011), also gave a compelling dinner keynote on the current state of the economy and political drivers and trends.

“This year’s Forum provided industry leaders a unique environment to collaborate and network and prepare to make great strides to further advance their strategic goals,” said Colvin Matheson, CFA, CMAA, Managing Director, Matheson Financial Advisors. “We have been pleased to see considerably more activity and optimism as we have been traveling across the country visiting dozens of our annual valuation clients. The willingness of our clients and colleagues from public and private A/E/C firms nationwide to share their perspectives, experiences and ideas in a discussion oriented format provides a unique opportunity for our attendees to improve their ability to manage their own capital and growth strategies.”

Matheson Advisors’ capital solutions-focused event will be held again next year in Chicago from May 11-13, 2015.